Sat. October 29
@ Historic Aquia Church, and
2938 Jefferson Davis Hwy.
@ Government Island Park (shuttles from church)
10:00am-4:00pm ~ Festivities
7:30pm ~ Candlelight Concert
Sun. October 30
@ Historic Aquia Church
9:00am & 11:15am ~ Colonial Style Service
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Discover Stafford's colonial heritage and connections between the sandstone of the landmark Aquia Church and the historic stone quarry at Government Island Park.
SATURDAY
Begin this day of heritage festivities by parking at Aquia Church. The event begins with a special Historic Flag Program (10am & 12pm), presented by the Fredericksburg Chapter #545 of the National Sojourners. Following the flag program, enjoy guided walking tours of Aquia Church and Cemetery (11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm). Aquia Church, built 1751-1757, features Aquia sandstone in its coins, lintels, gravestones, and more.
Throughout the day, walk among the living history displays. Meet a blacksmith, milliner, apothecary, spinners, and members of George Washington's Young Friends - first-person interpreters of the colonial and federal periods. Interact with the impressive oxen Chip and Dale, and learn how oxen may have been used to move the stone at the quarry on Government Island. Try Genealogy for beginners - trace your roots to the American Revolution with help from the DAR / SAR / CAR (Daughters, Sons, and Children of the American Revolution). Snack on some modern foods by a local vendor. FREE Shuttles to Government Island will be provided. At the island, observe a demonstration of stone cutting by hand, learn of the island's Native American presence, and meet members of the Patawomeck Indian Tribe at a fishing site. Take a self-guided tour of the trails and see the 220 year old hand-cut chisel marks.
SATURDAY EVENING
Make your reservations to attend the 7:30pm Candlelight Colonial Concert at Aquia Church by renowned Dean Shostak - instrumentalist and interpreter of amazing glass instruments, from Benjamin Franklin's Glass Armonica in 1761 to brand new musical instruments being created for Dean by glass artists all around the world. The concert is a showcase of glass music, art, history, and science. The music ranges from Mozart to modern day favorites. Colonial attire welcome! Seating is limited. To RSVP, call Stafford County Tourism (540-658-8681) on Mon.-Fri. between 8:00am-4:30pm.
SUNDAY
Step back in time and attend a Sunday morning worship service using a 1662 Book of Prayer at the historic Aquia Episcopal Church. Open to the public, two colonial style services will be offered at 9:00 and 11:15am at this historic church. Colonial attire is welcome! PEEK inside the incredible Aquia Church (close-ups of images, as shown at right).
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Discovery Days is Sponsored by: 
Discovery Days ~ Colonial Stafford Partners Include: